As the Season 7 Love Island USA reunion approaches, fans are wondering what topics will be addressed. Ariana Madix, who hosted the series and served up all the fashion, is getting a reunion co-host this time around. She is being joined by Bravo’s national treasure, Andy Cohen. So, will this duo bring up the hot-button issue of Cierra Ortega’s racial slur scandal?
It would be hard to imagine that Ariana and the Islanders wouldn’t be given the chance to weigh in on Cierra’s dramatic exit and the behavior that resulted in her ouster from the villa. After all, Cierra was the second Islander who was sent home this season. Yulissa Escobar exited the villa during the second episode because of prior racist clips that resurfaced. While Yulissa left the show early, Cierra made it all the way to Episode 30. Let’s dive into whether Cierra’s racial slur scandal will be addressed at the Love Island Season 7 reunion.
Will the Cierra Ortega scandal be addressed on the Love Island USA Reunion?
As you may recall, Cierra allegedly left the villa due to a “personal situation.” While viewers were aware of the backlash created by a video from 2024 that showed Cierra using a slur about Asian people, the other Islanders in the villa had no clue about why she left. At the time, Cierra was closed off with Nic Vansteenberghe. They were the strongest couple in the villa. After Cierra’s exit, Nic coupled up with Olandria Carthen, and they finished Season 7 in second place.
After her departure, when Cierra regained her phone, she issued an apology via Instagram. “While I was in the Villa, there were some posts that resurfaced from my past where I was very naively using an incredibly offensive and derogatory term,” Cierra stated before apologizing to the Asian community.
So, will Cierra be present at the Love Island reunion to address the controversy? On July 27, Cierra revealed in a lengthy Q&A on TikTok that she will not be attending the Love Island USA reunion. “At this time, I will not be at the reunion. I feel lighter knowing that my perspective, my thoughts and my feelings, and my emotions is out there.”
While Cierra will not be present at the reunion, her scandal will surely be addressed. Most of the Islanders have not spoken out about Cierra’s racist remarks. Belle-A Walker shared her feelings via an Instagram Story post. “I do not condone bigotry or racism of any kind. But I also don’t condone hate either,” Belle-A wrote. “Please think twice before leaving unkind comments to or about this person.”
In addition, Jeremiah Brown spoke out about Cierra’s early exit. “I don’t condone no type of racial slurs. That racial stuff is weird to me,” he said.
Now is a great time for Peacock to clear the air concerning Ortega’s racist behavior
We haven’t yet heard from the Season 7 finalists about their thoughts on Cierra’s racist slur firestorm. Nic and Olandria are continuing their relationship, which bothered Cierra. She addressed her hurt feelings, stating that, “As days went on and I didn’t hear from either of them, the more hurt I became.” According to Cierra, she is “happy for them,” but feels like she had no closure.
Meanwhile, it seems that Peacock needs to address the racial issues that plagued this season. That should include how angry Love Island fans allegedly called ICE on Cierra’s family. Hate is hate, and there is no excuse for it – ever.
I think that having Ariana address her thoughts on the scandal, as well as a producer explaining the decision to remove Cierra, would open up a dialogue. Plus, I am sure that viewers want to know how Nic, Olandria, and other cast members feel knowing the reason why Cierra was removed. Hearing their perspective is something that viewers have been waiting for.
I think that Peacock made the right call by not having Cierra attend the reunion. However, to gloss over this situation, with the climate in our country, would be a disservice to the show’s fans. This is a moment that could make a difference if Peacock handles it sensitively and honestly.
After all, Cierra was part of Love Island USA, for better or worse. And although her inexcusable previous comments led to her downfall, letting her former co-stars, friends, and romantic partner share their feelings is a must for this reunion. Sweeping this fiasco under the rug just isn’t an option.
Love Island USA is available to stream on Peacock.
TELL US – SHOULD CIERRA ORTEGA’S RACIAL SLUR SCANDAL BE ADDRESSED AT THE LOVE ISLAND SEASON 7 REUNION?
